Documents and Money You Cannot Leave Behind
Your passport or state ID is non-negotiable. Even if your cruise departs from a U.S. port and visits only U.S. destinations, you need a government-issued photo ID to board. If you are sailing to the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada, a valid passport is required — a passport card works, but a book is safer because some ports will not accept cards. Bring the physical document, not a photo of it.
Carry your cruise documents: the booking confirmation, your cabin assignment, and your boarding pass. Most cruise lines now use mobile boarding, but print a backup copy. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original, stored in your cabin or with a travel companion.
Bring more cash than you think you need. Onboard charges go to your cabin account, but you will need cash for tipping crew members, buying drinks at ports, and paying for things the ship does not accept cards for. ATMs are on most ships, but they charge fees. Bring at least $100 to $200 in small bills, plus another $100 to $200 in the currency of your first port of call.
Key Takeaways
- Pack your passport or state ID, cruise documents, and a photocopy of your ID in a separate location from the originals.
- Bring cash for tipping, port purchases, and emergencies, since onboard charges go to your cabin account but not everything accepts cards.
- Pack medications in their original labeled bottles, plus copies of prescriptions and a list of what you take, in case you need a refill.
- Include sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness, and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, casual clothes for the ship, one nicer outfit for formal or semi-formal dining, and comfortable walking shoes for ports.
Medications and Health Items
Pack all prescription medications in their original labeled bottles. Bring enough for the entire cruise plus a few extra days in case you are delayed returning home. If you run out, the ship's medical center can sometimes refill prescriptions, but they charge a consultation fee and may not have your medication in stock.
Carry a written list of your medications, their dosages, and the names of your doctors. Include any allergies. If you become ill or injured and need care, this information saves time and prevents dangerous drug interactions. Keep a copy in your cabin and one in your carry-on bag.
Bring seasickness medication before you board. Dramamine, Bonine, or ginger supplements work for many people, but they work better if you take them before you feel sick. The ship's medical center sells these at a markup. If you have never been on a cruise, consider bringing motion sickness medication even if you do not usually get seasick — rough seas affect people differently than cars or planes.
Pack a basic first-aid kit: adhesive bandages, pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, and any creams or ointments you use regularly. The ship has a medical center, but it is not a pharmacy, and minor issues are faster to handle yourself.
Sun and Skin Protection
Sunscreen is the single most important item you will forget to pack. Bring a bottle with SPF 30 or higher — reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel. The ship's shops sell sunscreen at three times the drugstore price. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or toweling off.
Pack a wide-brimmed hat or visor, sunglasses, and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or cover-up. Sunburn ruins a vacation and makes the rest of your cruise miserable. Bring aloe vera gel or a burn relief product in case you do get burned despite precautions.
If you have sensitive skin or take medications that increase sun sensitivity, bring extra protection: a UV-blocking rash guard, a beach umbrella if your port allows it, or a lightweight sarong. Many ports are in equatorial or tropical regions where the sun is stronger than you may be used to.
Clothing for the Ship and Ports
Pack casual, comfortable clothes for daytime on the ship: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and lightweight pants. Bring more than you think you need — laundry service is expensive, and you will wear clothes multiple times. Most cruises are warm, so pack light fabrics that dry quickly.
Bring at least one nicer outfit for formal or semi-formal dining nights. Check your cruise line's dress code — some nights require jackets for men and dresses or pantsuits for women, while others are business casual. If you do not want to pack formal wear, many cruise lines allow you to skip formal dining and eat at casual venues instead.
Pack comfortable walking shoes broken in before the cruise. You will spend hours on your feet exploring ports, and new shoes cause blisters. Bring sandals or flip-flops for the pool deck and cabin, plus water shoes if you plan to snorkel or wade. One pair of nicer shoes for dinner completes the set.
Include a light jacket or sweater. Dining rooms and theaters are heavily air-conditioned, and evening ocean breezes can be cool even in warm climates. A thin layer you can remove is more practical than shivering through dinner.
Electronics and Charging
Bring your phone charger and a universal adapter if you are sailing internationally. Cabin outlets are often limited and may be far from your bed. A power strip with USB ports is useful if you are sharing a cabin or want to charge multiple devices.
Pack a camera or may support your phone is charged for photos. Bring a waterproof phone case or bag if you plan to take pictures at the pool or beach. Memory cards or cloud storage for photos are worth the space.
Consider a portable battery pack. Your phone is your boarding pass, your cabin key, and your connection to the ship's app — losing battery is a real problem. A 10,000 mAh battery pack is small and solves the problem.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Cabins provide basic soap and shampoo, but bring your preferred brands if you have sensitive skin or specific products you use. Bring deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Hairdryers are usually in cabins, but check your booking confirmation.
Pack any specialty items: contact lens solution, glasses, hair styling products, or skin care routines you cannot skip. The ship's shop sells these at high prices, and some items are not available at all.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water on ships is safe, and filling a bottle saves money and reduces plastic waste. Many ships have water fountains or allow you to ask crew members for ice water.
Documents and Items for Ports
If you are visiting countries outside the U.S., check visa requirements before you book. Some destinations require visas that take weeks to process. Your cruise line will tell you what documents each port requires.
Bring copies of important documents: your passport, travel insurance policy, and your cruise booking. Store originals in your cabin safe and carry copies in your day bag. If your passport is lost or stolen at a port, a copy helps you get a replacement faster.
Pack a small day bag for ports: a backpack or crossbody bag that holds your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Leave valuables and most of your cash in your cabin safe. Theft at ports happens, and you do not need your entire vacation fund with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?
Most cruise lines prohibit outside alcohol in cabins and public areas. Some allow one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your cabin, but policies vary by cruise line. Bringing prohibited alcohol can result in confiscation or fines. Check your cruise line's policy before packing.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
Travel insurance is not required, but it covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. If you are paying a large amount upfront or have health concerns, insurance may be worth the cost. Cruise lines sell their own insurance, but independent policies sometimes offer better coverage at lower prices.
What should I pack if I get seasick easily?
Bring motion sickness medication before boarding — the ship's shop charges more. Dramamine, Bonine, or ginger supplements work for many people. Request a cabin midship and on a lower deck, where motion is least noticeable. Eat small meals, stay hydrated, and spend time on deck looking at the horizon if you feel queasy.
Can I bring a hair dryer or other electrical appliances?
Most cabins have hair dryers built in. Check your booking confirmation. Bringing extra electrical appliances uses limited outlet space and may violate fire codes. If you need a specific appliance, contact your cruise line before packing.
What happens if I forget something important?
The ship's shop sells many common items at high prices. If you forget medications, contact the ship's medical center — they may have what you need or can help you get it at your next port. For documents, contact your cruise line when ready; they may be able to help you board without originals if you have copies.